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Marlins' Junichi Tazawa: Struggles with new team

by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire

Tazawa has earned a 5.12 ERA across 51 innings pitched with the Marlins this season.

In his first year with Miami, Tazawa's ERA has increased by over one point since 2016 -- from 4.17 to 5.22. The right-hander has struggled with a rib injury throughout the season, which could be a contributing factor to his down year. However, he's pitched well of late, allowing just one run in his last eight innings out of the bullpen, and could see some high-leverage innings down the stretch.

Tazawa has eight strike outs and has allowed four runs in 9.0 innings since coming off the disabled list June 22.

Now in his first season with Miami, the former Boston reliever has 19 total strikeouts as he's had to battle a rib injury for much of the season. Due to the injury, the Japan native hasn't seen as much late-inning work as he'd become accustomed to in the past. Given the improved play of Kyle Barraclough, the current arrangement in Miami's bullpen might not be changing anytime soon, so owners shouldn't expect Tazawa's role to improve.

Tazawa (ribs) was activated from the disabled list Thursday, Andre Fernandez of the Miami Herald reports.

Tazawa, who has been sidelined since mid-May with a rib cartilage injury, is ready to rejoin the big-league bullpen after making five rehab appearances between Triple-A New Orleans, Double-A Jacksonville and High-A Jupiter. The 31-year-old compiled a 6.60 ERA and 11:8 K:BB through 15 innings before landing on the disabled list. Brad Zeigler was placed on the 10-day DL in a corresponding roster move.

Tazawa (ribs) tossed a perfect inning and struck out two batters Sunday during a rehab appearance with Double-A Jacksonville.

After opening his rehab assignment June 9 with High-A Jupiter, Tazawa has made his subsequent three appearances with Jacksonville, with Sunday's outing marking his strongest one to date. Though the Marlins haven't outlined a return date for Tazawa, the right-hander seems likely to come off the disabled list at some point during the upcoming week.

Tazawa (ribs) tossed a pair of shutout innings with two strikeouts at High-A Jupiter on Friday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

Tazawa has been out with a rib cartilage issue since May 17. He owned a 6.60 ERA over 15 innings before the injury, although it should be noted he served up a grand slam in the outing in which he went down. The Marlins could opt to have Tazawa make a couple more rehab outings, but a return to the majors this weekend is a possibility.